DEA raids pot dispensary

The Laguna Beach Holistic Center, a medical marijuana dispensary at 2007 S. Coast Hwy., was raided by the Drug Enforcement Agency around 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Federal agents detained two employees of the center, but released them without charges, said Special Agent Sarah Pullen. Charges may be filed against them or others in the case, which is still under investigation, Pullen said.

The agents seized an unidentified quantity of marijuana and edible products containing marijuana from the location, Pullen said.

Under Federal law, marijuana possession or consumption is illegal. California law permits dispensaries to provide marijuana by prescription, but the DEA does not recognize that law, Pullen said.

Pullen could not comment on why the DEA targeted the Laguna Beach dispensary. The warrant remains under seal because the investigation is not complete, she said.

Laguna Beach police officers assisted in the raid by providing perimeter security for the some dozen federal agents.